vulnerable plaque
Pronunciation: VUL-ner-uh-bul plak
Atherosclerotic plaque with high-risk features that predispose to rupture and acute coronary events.
Full Definition
Vulnerable plaque refers to atherosclerotic lesions that possess characteristics making them prone to rupture, erosion, or thrombosis, potentially leading to acute coronary syndromes. These plaques typically have a large lipid-rich necrotic core, thin fibrous cap, active inflammation, and intraplaque hemorrhage. Vulnerable plaques may not cause significant stenosis on angiography but pose high risk for future cardiovascular events. Advanced imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and newer modalities are being developed to identify these high-risk lesions before they cause clinical events.
In Context
- "Optical coherence tomography revealed characteristics consistent with vulnerable plaque in the left anterior descending artery." — Advanced cardiac imaging report
- "The concept of vulnerable plaque has shifted focus from stenosis severity to plaque composition in risk assessment." — Clinical cardiology review article